Golf club head customization

ABSTRACT

A method of customizing a golf club, wherein the method includes generating operating data representative of a user operating a mechanical device. The operating data is generated by a first sensor sized and configured to be removably positioned in a mounting port formed on the mechanical device during operation of the mechanical device. The sensor is interchangeably positionable in the mounting port with at least one mass insert, the at least one mass insert being adapted to be interchangeably positioned in the mounting to provide at least two different mass configurations. The method further includes determining a recommended configuration of the at least one mass insert specific to the user based on the operating data generated by the sensor, and transmitting information representative of the recommended mass insert.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/041,755 filed on Feb. 11, 2016.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and moreparticularly, customizable golf club equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many sports, such as golf, baseball, tennis, and hockey, require a userto swing an implement for striking a ball or other object. The level ofsuccess when participating in such sports oftentimes relates to theuser's ability to control the implement with a high degree of precisionand accuracy. In this regard, even minor flaws with the user's controlover the implement may give rise to adverse results. For instance, whenplaying golf, if the user's swing results in the clubface being openinstead of squaring with the ball at impact, the ball may be sliced.Additionally, or alternatively, the location of the center of gravity isknown to affect the trajectory of the ball upon impact. For example, arearward center of gravity is generally associated with higher dynamicloft and greater moment of inertia as compared with a forward center ofgravity. Also, center of gravity location affects spin, gear effect, andsweet spot location. As a result, a center of gravity location that isdesirable for one golfer may not be desirable for another.

Recent improvements in technology have enabled customization of golfclubs to better fit the user. In this regard, rather than a “one sizefits all” approach, the marketplace now offers different options to suitthe needs and characteristics of different consumers. For example, manygolf club manufacturers currently offer their customers various fittingapplications to improve their equipment selection.

Available customization techniques are, however, still limited in thatthey tend to require specialized equipment and, in some cases aspecialized environment that is solely dedicated to customization, andis not intended for normal use. For instance, the user may swing aspecially configured fitting club during a fitting session for purposesof identifying the user's swing characteristics. After the fittingsession, the club manufacturer may build a golf club that is customizedto the user based on information gathered during the fitting session.The process of building the customized club may take several days oreven weeks.

Due to the specially configured customization equipment used during manyfitting sessions, as well as the time associated with the customizationprocess, customization tends to be an expensive resource which istypically used only by more serious golfers. Furthermore, the timeconsuming nature associated with many existing fitting applications isundesirable, as consumers typically have a desire for immediateacquisition of their purchases.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved customizationkit and related methodology, which allows for quick and easycustomization of a mechanical device, such as a golf club. Variousaspects of the present disclosure address this particular need, as willbe discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided a method of customizing a golf club, wherein the methodincludes generating operating data representative of a user operating amechanical device. The operating data is generated by a first sensorsized and configured to be removably positioned in a mounting portformed on the mechanical device during operation of the mechanicaldevice. The sensor is interchangeably positionable in the mounting portwith at least one mass insert, the at least one mass insert beingadapted to be interchangeably positioned in the mounting to provide atleast two different mass configurations. The method further includesdetermining a recommended configuration of the at least one mass insertspecific to the user based on the operating data generated by thesensor, and transmitting information representative of the recommendedmass insert.

The method may further include the step of determining a recommendedorientation of a first mass insert of the at least one mass insert onthe mechanical device based on the operating data generated by thesensor. The step of determining a recommended orientation may includedetermining an orientation of the first mass insert on the mechanicaldevice relative to a first axis. The step of determining a recommendedorientation may include determining an orientation of the first massinsert on the mechanical device relative to a second axis that isdifferent from the first axis.

The at least two mass insert configurations may include different totalinsert masses. The at least two possible mass insert configurations mayhave different mass distributions.

The step of operating the mechanical device may include swinging a golfclub. The golf club may be a driver-type golf club. The first sensor maybe positionable on the club head and the operating data may additionallybe generated by a second sensor located within a shaft of thedriver-type golf club. The step of determining the recommended massinsert may be based on a determination of a desired center of gravitylocation of the club head or club.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a golf clubcustomization system adapted for use with a golf club head having amounting port formed therein. The golf club customization systemincludes a sensor insert having a sensor insert body and a sensorcoupled to the sensor insert body. The sensor insert body is sized andconfigured to be removably insertable within the mounting port formed inthe club head. The sensor is further configured to generate operatingdata representative of a user swinging the club head. The customizationsystem further includes at least two mass inserts, each mass insertbeing sized and configured to be insertable in the mounting port formedin the club head to modify the physical characteristics of the clubhead. A selector is in operative communication with the sensor, with theselector being configured to select one of the at least two mass insertsbased on the operating data generated by the sensor.

The system may further include a display in operative communication withthe selector and configured to display information associated with theselected one of the at least two mass inserts. The display may be amobile communication device.

Each mass insert may include a mass body and a resilient cover extendingover the mass body. Each mass insert may have an elongate generallycylindrical configuration. Each mass insert may include fasteningelements formed at opposed ends of the respective mass insert to enableinsertion of the respective mass insert into the mounting port in atleast two different orientations. The system may further include afastener configured to be engageable with the fastening elements of themass inserts and the club head for securing the mass insertsindividually within the club head.

The at least two mass inserts may be of different masses. The at leasttwo mass inserts may also have different mass distributions.

The selector may be configured to select one of the at least two massinserts based on a desired center of gravity of the club head.

The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional, rear perspective view of a club head andan insert positioned within a mounting port in the club head accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional, rear perspective view of a club headsimilar to FIG. 1, but depicting the insert as removed from the clubhead;

FIG. 3 is a schematic overview of a customization system using the clubhead and insert shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 4-8 are cross-sectional views showing different mass insertspositioned within the mounting port of the club head shown in FIGS. 1and 2;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart describing an exemplary methodology of customizinga club head using any of the inserts shown in FIGS. 1-8;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of an insertconfigured for use with the club head and suitable for the customizationmethod described in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the insert shown in FIG. 10positioned within the mounting port of the club head;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a configuration kit that includes awood-type club head, a sensor element, and a prismatic insert adapted tobe inserted into a mounting port formed in the wood-type club head; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a configuration kit that include awood-type club head and a prismatic insert adapted to be inserted into amounting port formed in the wood-type club head; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the prismatic insert shown in FIG. 12,with a weight and a sensor being exploded from the prismatic insert.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and thedetailed description to indicate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a golfclub customization system and related method, and is not intended torepresent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the various structure and/or functions inconnection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood,however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may beaccomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to beencompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is furtherunderstood that the use of relational terms such as first and second,and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from anotherwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a customizable club head 10adapted for use with any one of a plurality of differently configuredinserts 12 as described with greater particularity below, such inserts12 being specifically configured and adapted to enable a user to sensethe user's swing characteristics and then modify the physical propertiesof the club head 10 based on the user's swing characteristics tooptimize the user's swing. In some embodiments the plurality of inserts12 may sold as a kit of inserts, optionally sold in conjunction with thegolf club head 10 (optionally in conjunction with a conventional shaft,as sold as a golf club). In other embodiments, the user may test a golfclub at a retail establishment, simulated golf course, or actual golfcourse, and select and purchase a single (or plural) inserts 12 from awider made-available portfolio of inserts. The inserts 12 may be easilyswapped and interchanged with each other to customize the club-head 10on-the-fly. In this regard, customization of the club head 10 does notrequire specialized fitting equipment which is not suitable for useduring play on the golf course, nor does the customization require anextended period of time to complete the customization. Rather, the sameequipment, i.e., the club head 10, used during the customization mayalso be used during normal play as being compliant with the rules ofgolf as may be set forth by one or more governing bodies (e.g., theUnited States Golf Association (USGA)).

As described above, in some embodiments, the club head 10 and at leastone insert 12 form a customization kit 14, although as will be describedin more detail below, the customization kit 14 preferably includes atleast one sensing insert and at least one mass insert adapted to beremovably positioned within a mounting port 16 formed in the golf clubhead 10. The golf club head 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an iron-typegolf club head including a topline 18, a sole 20 in generally opposedrelation to the topline 18, a heel portion 22, and a toe portion 24 ingenerally opposed relation to the heel portion 22. In some embodiments,the club head 10 is preferably a higher lofted iron-type club head, e.g.having a loft no less than 40°, and even more preferably a wedge-typeclub head. A striking face 26 is disposed on one side of the club head10 and extends in one direction between the topline 18 and the sole 20,and in another direction between the heel portion 22 and the toe portion24. The striking face 26 may be textured to create desired spincharacteristics on the golf ball when the striking face 26 impacts thegolf ball. A rear surface 28 is in generally opposed relation to thestriking face 26. The club head 10 further includes a hosel 30 extendingfrom the heel portion 22 of the club head 10 and adapted to beconnectable to a golf club shaft using attachment techniques known bythose skilled in the art.

The mounting port 16 shown in FIGS. 1-8 and 11 is preferablycylindrically configured and includes an exposed first end portion 32 atthe toe portion 24 and a second end portion 34 located within the clubhead 10 and spaced from the toe portion 24. In the exemplary embodiment,the mounting port 16 is located within the sole 20, is spaced from thestriking face 26 and the rear face 28, and extends in a generallyheel-to-toe direction. More preferably, particularly in the case of theclub head being a wedge-type club head, the mounting port 16 ispreferable located at least partially within a muscle portion and, insome cases, entirely within a muscle portion. In alternativeembodiments, the mounting port extends in the top to sole directionoptionally in direction parallel to a general plane of the strikingface. An internal wall 36 extends between the second end portion 34 ofthe mounting port 16 and a fastening port 38, which in turn, extendsfrom the internal wall 36 to an outer surface of the club head 10 at theheel portion 22 thereof. The fastening port 38, which also preferablyhas a cylindrical configuration, is coaxially aligned with the mountingport 16. Along these lines, the internal wall 36 includes a centralaperture 40 which places the fastening port 38 in communication with themounting port 16. A fastener 42 is insertable within the fastening port38 and is capable of extending through the aperture 40 to engage with aninsert 12 located within the mounting port 16 for securing the insert 12therein, as will be described in more detail below.

The inserts 12 are configured to be removably insertable within themounting port 16 for purposes of swing characteristic analysis, as wellas to provide customizable mass distribution to the club head 10 tooptimize club head properties given the user's swing. In this regard, asindicated above, the customization kit 14 may include a plurality ofinserts 12, which are adapted to serve different purposes, with suchinserts 12 including, for example, a sensor insert 12 a and one or moremass inserts 12 b. It is contemplated that each of the inserts 12 willhave a shape which is complementary to that of the mounting port 16,e.g., a generally cylindrical configuration, which is of an outerdiameter (OD) sized relative to the inner diameter (ID) of the mountingport 16 such that any insert 12 may slidably advanced into and beremoved from within the mounting port 16 without an excessive amount ofclearance between the OD and the ID.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, there is depicted a club head 10having a sensor insert 12 a (as a species of an insert 12) insertedwithin the mounting port 16. The sensor insert 12 a includes an insertbody 44 a, along with a sensor 46 and a transceiver 48 coupled to theinsert body 44 a. A battery or other power source (now shown) may beincluded in the sensor insert 12 a for providing power to the sensor 46and the transceiver 48. The battery source may include a generativepower source such as a solar-powered cell or piezo-electric material,which may generate current upon impact and optionally search suchvoltage generation. The sensor 46 is adapted to detect characteristicsassociated with the user's swing, including the swing path, swing speed,swing acceleration, attack angle, etc. Accordingly, the sensor 46 mayinclude one or more of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, aposition sensor (e.g., a GPS module), or other sensing devices known inthe art. The sensor 46 is preferably embedded within the insert body 44a to protect the sensor 46 from inadvertent impacts. An outer surface ofthe insert body 44 a is preferably covered with a protective cover 50 aformed of a resilient material, such as a soft polymer. The protectivecover 50 a is adapted to protect the insert body 44 a from contactingthe club head 10 when the user swings the club head 10 and impacts agolf ball. In this respect, it is understood that the club head 10 willvibrate upon impact with the golf ball, and the protective cover 50 adampens the vibrations which are imparted by the club head 10 to theinsert body 44 a. The protective cover 50 a may be molded onto the outersurface of the insert body 44 a. Although the foregoing describes thesensor insert 12 a as including a protective cover 50 a extending aroundthe insert body 44 a, it is also contemplated that a protective linermay be applied to the club head 10 within the mounting port 16 toprovide a protective layer between the club head and the insert body 44a to facilitate the aforementioned impact protection attributes.Additionally, the protective cover 50 a is adapted to provide for a snugfit between the insert 12 a and the club head 10. Accordingly,manufacturing tolerances may be appropriately accounted for, and anyvibrations or movement of the insert 12 a based on impact may beminimized.

The transceiver 48 is in operative communication with the sensor 46 andis adapted to enable communication between the sensor 46 and a remoteelectronic device 52, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptopcomputer, other general purpose computer(s), cloud-based data storage54, etc., for instance, to enable analysis or storage of the datagenerated by the sensor 46. The transceiver 48 is preferably configuredto enable wireless communication the remote electronic device 52,although it is contemplated that wired communication may also occurbetween the transceiver 48 and the remote electronic device 52. Thewireless communication between the transceiver 48 and the remoteelectronic device 52 may occur via common wireless communicationprotocols known in the art such as BLUETOOTH, WiFi, Infrared, or thelike. Data generated by the sensor 46 is communicated to the remoteelectronic device 52 or cloud-based data storage 54 for analysis by aselector configured to determine an optimal mass insert 12 b and/or massinsert orientation/configuration based on the data. The selector mayinclude Selector1 57 stored locally in the remote electronic device 52or Selector2 59 accessible by the remote electronic device 52 or datastorage 54.

The sensor insert 12 a is adapted to engage with the fastener 42inserted within the fastening port 38 for securing the sensor insert 12a within the club head 10. In this respect, the sensor insert 12 aincludes one or more threaded openings 56 extending axially therein andadapted to engage with corresponding threads formed on the fastener 42.As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor insert 12 a includes threaded openings 56formed on opposed ends of the insert 12 a to enable the sensor insert 12a to be positioned within mounting port 16 in at least two differentconfigurations. In particular, when the sensor insert 12 a is in a firstconfiguration, a first one of the threaded openings 56 is engageablewith the fastener 42, and when the sensor insert 12 a is in a secondconfiguration, a second one of the threaded openings 56 is engageablewith the fastener 42. Switching the sensor insert 12 a between the firstand second configurations may change the physical characteristics of theclub head 10, such as changing the center of gravity, or may allow fordata to be sensed from a different reference point if the sensor 46 isoffset from a centerline of the insert 12 a for a more comprehensivedata analysis. In alternative embodiments, the insert 12 a abuts a clubhead surface having projections and/or recesses complementary to theabutting surface of the insert 12 a, e.g. an anti-rotation feature. Inthe manner, upon insertion and axial compression, the insert 12 a isinhibited from rotation about its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, havingsuch an anti-rotation feature enables orienting the insert 12 a in onlya single orientation, which may be beneficial where rotational positionaffects the mass distribution and/or other performance-relatedcharacteristics of the club head.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, any one of a plurality differentlyconfigured mass inserts 12 b, further labeled with particularity as 12 b1, 12 b 2, 12 b 3, 12 b 4 and 12 b 5 in respective ones of FIGS. 4-8,are also configured to be individually placed within the mounting port16 to selectively alter the physical characteristics of the club head10. The mass inserts 12 b 1-12 b 5 each include a mass insert body 44 band a cover 50 b over the mass insert body 44 b. The cover 50 b issimilar to the cover 50 a, and in one embodiment, both covers 50 a, 50 bmay be formed from a material having a Shore hardness of approximately40 D. The mass insert bodies 44 b of the mass inserts 12 b 1-12 b 5 maydiffer to offer alternative mass configurations for the user. In thisregard, the mass insert bodies 44 b may have different physicalcharacteristics, such as different material properties and/or differentstructural properties. The material properties are associated with thedensity, weight, etc. of the material used to form the respective massinsert bodies 44 b. Exemplary materials include steel, tungsten or othermaterials known in the art. The structural properties are associatedwith the physical configuration of any particular mass insert body 44 b,including the size and/or number of cutouts 58 associated therewith.

As is apparent from FIGS. 4-8, the primary distinctions between the massinserts 12 b 1-12 b 5 reside in the different structural propertiesassociated with each corresponding mass insert body 44 b. For instance,FIG. 4 shows the mass insert body 44 b of the mass insert 12 b 1 asincluding a single cutout 58 offset slightly from a transversecenterline 61 of such mass insert body 44 b, which results in a centerof gravity CG1 spaced from both the transverse centerline 61 and thelongitudinal centerline 63, and positioned closer to the toe portion 24than the heel portion 22 when the mass insert 12 b 1 is slidablyadvanced into the mounting port 16 and secured therein.

FIG. 5 shows mass insert body 44 b of the mass insert 12 b 2 as alsoincluding a single cutout 58, although the cutout 58 of the mass insert12 b 2 shown in FIG. 5 is larger than the cutout 58 of the mass insert12 b 1 shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the cutout 58 of the mass insert 12b 2 shown in FIG. 5 is substantially symmetrical about the transversecenterline 61 of the corresponding insert body 44 b, which results in acenter of gravity CG2 located on the transverse centerline 61, butspaced from the longitudinal centerline 63 in the mass insert 12 b 2.Similar to the insert body 44 a of the sensor insert 12 a, the massinsert bodies 44 b of the mass inserts 12 b 1, 12 b 2 shown in FIGS. 4and 5 each include a pair of internally threaded openings 56 formed andextending axially within respective ones of the opposed ends thereof,each of these openings 56 being adapted to engage the fastener 42 forpurposes of effectively securing the corresponding mass insert 12 b 1,12 b 2 within the mounting port 16.

The mass insert body 44 b of the mass insert 12 b 3 shown in FIG. 6includes cutouts 58 extending from diametrically opposed sides of suchmass insert body 44 b, with one side including two cutouts 58, and theother side only including one cutout 58 comparatively longer than eachof the other two cutouts 58. The configuration of the mass insert 12 b 3shown in FIG. 6 results in a center of gravity CG3 that is spaced fromboth the transverse and longitudinal centerlines 61, 63 and positionedcloser to the heel portion 22.

The mass insert bodies 44 b of the mass inserts 12 b 4, 12 b 5 shown inrespective ones of FIGS. 7 and 8 each include only one cutout 58, withthe cutouts 58 of the mass inserts 12 b 4, 12 b 5 differing in size andlocation on the respective mass insert bodies 44 b. In greater detail,the mass insert body 44 b of the mass insert 12 b 4 shown in FIG. 7defines a center of gravity CG4 that is spaced from both the transverseand longitudinal centerlines 61, 63 and is closer to the toe portion 24when the mass insert 12 b 4 is slidably advanced into the mounting port16 and secured therein. In contrast, the mass insert body 44 b of themass insert 12 b 5 shown in FIG. 8 defines a center of gravity CG5 alsospaced from both centerlines 61, 63 and positioned closer to the heelportion 22 when the mass insert 12 b 5 is slidably advanced into themounting port 16 and secured therein.

As is also apparent from FIG. 6-8, in the mass inserts 12 b 3, 12 b 4,12 b 5, the corresponding mass insert bodies 44 b each include only asingle internally threaded opening 56 extending axially within one ofthe opposed ends thereof and adapted to engage with fastener 42. Thisdiffers from the mass insert bodies 44 b of the mass inserts 12 b 1, 12b 2, 12 b 3 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 which include an opposed pair ofthreaded openings 56 as indicated above.

The various mass inserts 12 b 1-12 b 5 having corresponding differentmass insert bodies 44 b may be swapped or interchanged with each otherto alter the physical characteristics of the club head 10. For instance,swapping the mass inserts 12 b 1-12 b 5 may allow for alteration of clubhead mass, club head center of gravity, club head mass distribution,etc., which suits the particular swing characteristics of the golfer.

With the basic structural features of the customization kit 14 describedabove, the following discussion will focus on an exemplary use thereof.Customization of the club head 10 generally includes three phases: adata gathering phase, a data analysis phase, and a club configurationphase. The data gathering phase includes placing the sensor insert 12 ainto the mounting port 16 of the club head 10 and securing the sensorinsert 12 a to the club head 10 using the fastener 42. The sensor insert12 a may need to be powered on by actuating a button or switch prior toinsertion of the sensor insert 12 a into the club head 10. Once thesensor insert 12 a is powered on and placed within the mounting port 16,the user swings the golf club. During the swing, the sensor 46 detectsone or more characteristics of the swing path and generates sensor datarelated thereto. For instance, the sensor 46 may detect, extract,measure or otherwise calculate user-specific swing attributes, such asan attack angle, swing speed, etc. Multiple swings may be measured andthe sensor 46 may calculate averages of the measured swingcharacteristics. It is contemplated that after swinging the golf club,the user may change the position of the sensor 46 within the club head10 either by rotating or flipping the sensor insert 12 a relative to theclub head 10 to obtain data from another reference position.

The data analysis phase includes analyzing the sensor data generated bythe sensor 46. Such data analysis is typically performed by a selector57, 59 associated with a remote computing device 52, and thus, thesensor data is typically communicated from the sensor insert 12 a to theremote computing device 52 using the transceiver 48 on the sensor insert12 a. In this respect, the transceiver 48 may be configured toautomatically transmit the sensor data once the data is generated, oralternatively, the sensor data may be stored in a temporary data storagemodule (not shown) on the sensor insert 12 a until it is transmitted bythe transceiver 48. In another embodiment, the transceiver 48 transmitsthe sensor data in response to receiving a request from the remotecomputing device 52.

The sensor data is analyzed by the selector 57, 59 associated with theremote computing device 52 to determine which mass insert 12 b, such aswhich one of the mass inserts 12 b 1-12 b 5, should be used based on theuser's swing characteristics. In this respect, the selector 57, 59 mayemploy algorithms known in the art for analyzing the sensor data to makesuch a determination. According to one embodiment the algorithms areassociated with software stored on a computer-readable medium in theform of computer-readable instructions. A computer may read thosecomputer-readable instructions, and in response, perform various stepsas defined by those computer-readable instructions. Thus, any functionsattributed to any of the functional blocks of FIG. 9 as described hereinmay be implemented, for example, by reading and executing suchcomputer-readable instructions for performing those functions, and/or byany hardware subsystem (e.g., a processor) from which the computer iscomposed.

The selector 57, 59 may also use the sensor data to determine apreferred orientation of the mass insert 12 b within the mounting port16 based on the user's swing characteristics. In this respect, the massinsert 12 b may be rotatable about at least two axes 61, 63 to arrangethe mass insert 12 b within the mounting port 16 in several differentorientations. For instance, with regard to the mass insert 12 b 1 shownin FIG. 4, rotating the mass insert 12 b 1 about the longitudinal axis63 may move CG1 in a vertical direction relative to the perspectiveshown in FIG. 4 to alter the position of CG1 relative to longitudinalaxis 63. The mass insert 12 b 1 may be rotated incrementally about thelongitudinal axis 63 to allow for a wide range of positionaladjustability of CG1. Furthermore, rotating the mass insert 12 b 1 abouttransverse axis 61 switches the position of CG1 relative to thetransverse axis 61 (i.e., flipping the orientation of the insert 12 b 1would place CG1 closer to the heel 22).

The determination of which mass insert 12 b to use, as well as theorientation of the mass insert 12 b within the mounting port 16, may bedetermined using a predetermined equation or relationship wherein thesensor data is an input to the equation, and the determined mass insert12 b and orientation is the output. Alternatively, a stored look-uptable or database may be used to determine the preferred mass insert 12b or orientation based on the sensor data.

Once the remote computing device 52 analyzes the sensor data anddetermines a preferred mass insert 12 b as well as a preferredorientation of the mass insert 12 b within the mounting port 16, theremote computing device 52 displays the preferred mass insert 12 b andpreferred orientation on a display device, which may include the displayscreen 55 associated with the remote computing device 52 (e.g., thetouch screen display on a smartphone) or a display screen separate fromthe remote computing device 52. For instance, the remote computingdevice 52 may include a server accessible by the user through a website,and the mass insert 12 b and corresponding orientation information maybe displayed on a display screen 55 separate from the server, such asthe display screen of the computing device on which the user isaccessing the server. After the information is displayed, the user mayplace the preferred mass insert 12 b within the mounting port 16 of theclub head 10 in the preferred orientation and secure the mass insert 12b to the club head using the fastener 42.

The interchangeability of the sensor insert 12 a and the mass inserts 12b within the mounting port 16 allows the user to quickly and easilyanalyze the user's swing characteristics and customize the club head 10.For instance, if the user is displeased after playing a round of golf,the user can customize the club head 10 before the next round, to finetune the user's swing, and to provide additional confidence to thegolfer.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show another embodiment of a mass insert 112 having twodetachably engageable components. In particular, the insert 112 includesa first component 114 adapted to engage with the fastener 42 and aninterchangeable second component 116. In other words, rather thanswapping out the entire insert 112 for another insert 112, similar tothe substitution technique described above in relation to mass inserts12 b, the second component 116 may be changed to alter the physicalcharacteristics of the mass insert 112. In this respect, several secondcomponents 116 may be used with a single first component 112 to vary thephysical characteristics of the mass insert 112.

The first component 114 includes a first component body 115 having aninternally threaded opening 156 adapted to engage with the threadedshaft of the fastener 42. Opposite the threaded opening 156 is athreaded shaft 158 for connecting the first component 114 to the secondcomponent 116. The second component 116 includes a mass insert body 118having one or more threaded openings 157 cooperatively engageable withthe threaded shaft 158. The mass insert body 118 is formed without anycutouts, although it is understood that the mass insert body 118 mayalso include one or more cutouts to define a unique physicalconfiguration. Both the first and second components 114, 116 may includeresilient covers 150, 151 extending over their respective bodies 115,118.

The customization described herein includes placing mass inserts withina mounting port formed within the sole of the club head 10. It isunderstood that the sensor insert 12 a and/or mass insert 12 b may beattached to other locations on the club head 10. For instance, theinserts 12 may be configured to be coupled to the rear surface 28 and/orto an external surface of the sole 20, which may be particularly usefulfor altering the bounce associated with club head 10. In this respect,one insert 12 may be associated with a club head having a low bounce,while another insert 12 may be associated with a club head having a highbounce. For more information, please refer to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/876,731, entitled Adjustable Club Head, the contents ofwhich are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Although the foregoing describes club head customization using a sensorlocated in the club head, in other embodiments, a more comprehensivegolf club customization may be achieved by using an additional sensor inthe shaft of the golf club. The use of two sensors, with one being inthe club head and the other being in the shaft may allow for theadditional detection of shaft flex or deflection during the swing.Consequently, the remote computing device may be able to make adetermination as to a preferred shaft associated with a preferred shaftstiffness based on the data gathered by the two sensors.

Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the customization kit is notlimited to iron-type club heads, but may also encompass putter-type clubheads, hybrid-type club heads, drivers or other wood-type club heads.The customization kit for the wood-type club heads is similar to thecustomization kit for the iron-type club heads discussed above, andgenerally includes a customizable club head having a mounting portformed thereon, as well as a sensor insert and at least one mass insert.The mounting port and corresponding inserts may be configured similarlyto the mounting port 16 and inserts 12 described above, although, giventhe larger volume typically associated with wood-type club heads, it iscontemplated that the mounting port and corresponding inserts may havedifferent configurations. For instance, in one embodiment, instead ofdefining a circular cross sectional configuration, the mounting port andcorresponding inserts may define a non-circular cross-sectional shape,e.g. a regular polygonal shape or an irregular geometric shape. In someembodiments, the insert defines a prismatic shape having a triangularcross sectional configuration.

Along those lines, and referring now specifically to FIGS. 12 and 13,there is depicted a customization kit 210 adapted for a wood-type clubhead 212 specifically configured to receive a prismatic insert 214 intoa mounting port 216 formed in the club head 212. In some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 12, the customization kit 210 also includes a sensorelement 250. The sensor element 250 includes one or more activeelectronic or non-electronic sensor devices similar to those describedabove with regard to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-11. The sensorelement 250 also preferably includes a housing for stably positioningthe sensor device or devices within the mounting port 216 of the clubhead 212. Preferably, the sensor element 250 may be docked within themounting port 216 interchangeably with the insert 214. In some suchcases, preferably, the club head 212 is configured such that only one ofthe insert 214 and the sensor element 250 is associated therewith. Thisconfiguration may provide for dedicating minimal structural mass to theconstruction of the customization kit 210, thereby freeing up budgetarymass for discretionary placement for optimizing the mass characteristicsof the club head 212. However other configurations are possible, e.g. agolf club head configuration in which one or both of the insert 214 andsensor element 250 are docked with the club head 212 simultaneously(e.g. by way of a mounting port with plural docks).

It is preferable that the sensor element 250 is removable andinterchangeable with another insert, e.g., insert 214, preferably anon-electronically active insert. Some organizations that serve asgoverning bodies for the regulation of equipment in professional golf,e.g. the United States Golf Association (“USGA”), generally do notpermit active electronics and/or sensory devices to be used inconjunction with playing equipment. By configuring the kit 210 such thatthe sensor element 250 is removable and/or replaceable, the golf club212 necessarily includes a state in which it conforms to theseregulations. Thus, this removability and, preferably,interchangeability, provides for a more useful product to offerpotential consumers.

Preferably, the sensor 250 is capable of measuring the orientationand/or the location of the club head during various points of a golfer'sswing in similar manner as with the sensor described with regard to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1-11. Further, the sensor information ispreferably transmitted in like manner as in the process described withregard to the FIG. 9. By using stored look-up tables, algorithms orother stored predetermined relationship between measured sensor data andvalues representative of optimal recommendations, the sensor preferablycalculates an optimal recommendation for the configuration of the clubhead 212 and outputs such recommendation based on the sensor data.Preferably, the recommendation includes a setting of the insert 214,e.g. how many weight inserts 238 (and/or the location or orientationthereof) to secure to the insert 214.

From the perspective shown in FIG. 13, a sole 218 of the club head 212is shown, with the mounting port 216 extending through the sole 218 andhaving one end located adjacent the striking face 220 at a toe portion222 of the club head 212, and another end located at the rear, middleportion of the club head 212. In this regard, the mounting port 216preferably extends along a mounting port axis 224, which passes througha wide section of the club head 212 in a front-to-rear direction.Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the mounting port axis 224does not pass through the striking face 220, and is angularly offsetfrom a striking face plane, although it is understood that in otherembodiments, the mounting port axis 224 may intersect the striking face220, and optionally may be generally perpendicular to the striking faceplane. The configuration of the mounting port 216 is complementary tothe insert 214, and due to the prismatic configuration of the insert214, the mounting port 216 also defines a prismatic configuration. Theprismatic shape of the insert 214 and corresponding mounting port 216inhibit rotation of the insert 214 when it is received within themounting port 216. Furthermore, the insert 214 may include apolymer/resilient coating to protect the insert 214 and to form a snugfit between the insert 214 and mounting port 216 about the insert 214,thereby reduce vibration of the insert 214 when the club head 212strikes a golf ball. When the prismatic insert 214 is placed in themounting port 216, a fastener 226 is used to secure the prismatic insert214 therein.

Turning now to FIG. 13, an enlarged view of the prismatic insert 214 isshown and includes a pair of triangular end walls 228 and three sidewalls 230, 232, 234 extending between the triangular end walls 228. Atleast one, and preferably all three side walls 230, 232, 234 includes aplurality of openings or recesses formed therein, with each recess beingadapted to accommodate a sensor element 236 and/or a weight element 238.In the exemplary embodiment, the prismatic insert 214 includes fivecircular recesses 240 formed in a first side wall 230, with eachcircular recess 240 being configured to receive a weight element 238.Furthermore, four triangular recesses 242 are formed in the first sidewall 230 and are adapted to receive corresponding triangular shapedsensor elements. A second side wall 232 includes four triangularrecesses 244 adapted to receive triangular shaped elements, which, inthese particular embodiments, may be sensor elements or weight elements.The third sidewall 234 may also include one or more recesses configuredto receive sensor or weight elements. Two weight elements 238 are shownin FIG. 13, exploded from corresponding circular recesses 240. Eachweight element 238 includes a threaded shaft which engages withcooperating threads formed in the circular recess 240.

The weight and sensor elements 238, 236 are used in a similar mannerdescribed above in relation to customizing the iron-type club heads,i.e., the sensor(s) may be used to measure characteristics related tothe user's swing and the weights may be added to the insert to customizethe club head to optimize use of the club head in view of the user'sparticular swing characteristics.

It is also contemplated that in another embodiment, the mounting portand corresponding inserts are arcuate, with the mounting port beinglocated along a periphery of the club head. Furthermore, the inserts maybe customizable by including an insert body having a plurality ofopenings or recesses adapted to receive at least one sensor insert bodyand at least one mass insert body.

Generally, the concepts described herein relate to a golf club,although, these concepts can be applied to other devices in the sportsindustry that are played with mechanical devices/implements that areswung or controlled by the user, such as hockey, tennis, racquetball,baseball, lacrosse, etc.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes ofillustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providingwhat is believed to be most useful and readily understood description ofthe principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any moredetail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of thedifferent features of the various embodiments, the description takenwith the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how thesemay be implemented in practice.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf club customization method comprising:providing a golf club head having a mounting port formed therein;removably inserting into the mounting port a sensor insert; generating,by the sensor insert, sensor data corresponding to a user's golf clubswing of the golf club head; transmitting the sensor data from thesensor insert to a computing device; correlating the sensor data to apreferred mass insert among at least two mass inserts with predeterminedrelationship information between golf club swing characteristics andoptimal club head mass distribution, the at least two mass insertscomprising: a first mass insert including a first recess configurationdefining a first mass distribution such that, when the first mass insertis inserted in the mounting port, the golf club head comprises a firstcenter of gravity location; and a second mass insert including a secondrecess configuration defining a second mass distribution such that, whenthe second mass insert is inserted in the mounting port, the golf clubhead comprises a second center of gravity location that is differentfrom the first center of gravity location; and selecting the preferredmass insert.
 2. The golf club customization method of claim 1, wherein:the first mass insert has a first mass; and the second mass insert has asecond mass different from the first mass.
 3. The golf clubcustomization method of claim 1, wherein the golf club head is awood-type golf club head.
 4. The golf club customization method of claim1, wherein the golf club head is an iron-type golf club head.
 5. Thegolf club customization method of claim 1, further comprising: providinga golf club shaft extending from a hosel portion of the golf club head,the golf club shaft including a secondary sensor.
 6. The golf clubcustomization method of claim 5, wherein generating the sensor dataincludes generating the sensor data by the sensor insert of the golfclub head and by the secondary sensor of the golf club shaft.
 7. Thegolf club customization method of claim 1, further comprising:transmitting information identifying the preferred mass insert to adisplay device; and displaying the identifying information on a displayscreen of the display device.
 8. The golf club customization method ofclaim 7, wherein the display device is a mobile communication device. 9.The golf club customization method of claim 1, further comprising:removing the sensor insert from the mounting port; and inserting thepreferred mass insert into the mounting port.
 10. A golf clubcustomization method comprising: providing a golf club head having amounting port formed therein; providing a golf club shaft extending froma hosel portion of the golf club head, the golf club shaft including asecondary sensor; removably inserting into the mounting port a sensorinsert; generating, by the sensor insert, sensor data corresponding to auser's golf club swing of the golf club head; transmitting the sensordata from the sensor insert to a computing device; correlating thesensor data to a preferred mass insert orientation relative to a firstaxis among at least two mass insert orientations with predeterminedrelationship information between golf club swing characteristics andvalues representative of optimal recommendations, the at least two massinsert orientations comprising: a first mass insert orientation suchthat, when a mass insert is oriented according to the first mass insertorientation, the golf club head comprises a first center of gravitylocation; and a second mass insert orientation such that, when the massinsert is oriented according to the second mass insert orientation, thegolf club head comprises a second center of gravity location that isdifferent from the first center of gravity location; and selecting thepreferred mass insert orientation.
 11. The golf club customizationmethod of claim 10, wherein the preferred mass insert orientation isrelative to the first axis and a second axis different from the firstaxis.
 12. The golf club customization method of claim 10, wherein thegolf club head is a wood-type golf club head.
 13. The golf clubcustomization method of claim 10, wherein the golf club head is aniron-type golf club head.
 14. The golf club customization method ofclaim 10, wherein generating the sensor data includes generating thesensor data by the sensor insert of the golf club head and by thesecondary sensor of the golf club shaft.
 15. The golf club customizationmethod of claim 14, further comprising: transmitting informationidentifying the preferred mass insert orientation to a display device;and displaying the identifying information on a display screen of thedisplay device.
 16. The golf club customization method of claim 15,wherein the display device is a mobile communication device.
 17. Thegolf club customization method of claim 10, further comprising: removingthe sensor insert from the mounting port; and inserting the mass insertoriented according to the preferred mass insert orientation into themounting port.
 18. A golf club customization method comprising providinga golf club head having a mounting port formed therein; providing a golfclub shaft extending from a hosel portion of the golf club head, thegolf club shaft including a secondary sensor; removably inserting intothe mounting port a sensor insert; generating, by the sensor insert,sensor data corresponding to a user's golf club swing of the golf clubhead; transmitting the sensor data from the sensor insert to a computingdevice; correlating the sensor data to a preferred mass insert among atleast two mass inserts with predetermined relationship informationbetween golf club swing characteristics and optimal club head massdistribution, the at least two mass inserts comprising: a first massinsert having a first mass distribution such that, when the first massinsert is inserted in the mounting port, the golf club head comprises afirst center of gravity location; and a second mass insert having asecond mass distribution such that, when the second mass insert isinserted in the mounting port, the golf club head comprises a secondcenter of gravity location that is different from the first center ofgravity location; and selecting the preferred mass insert.
 19. The golfclub customization method of claim 18, wherein generating the sensordata includes generating the sensor data by the sensor insert of thegolf club head and by the secondary sensor of the golf club shaft.